India drops seven places to 143 in FIFA rankings

New Delhi, Oct 18 (UNI) The recent 3-0 drubbibg by Japan in the Asian Cup qualifier in Bangalore has pushed India seven places to 143rd in the latest FIFA rankings issued today.

With 136 points to their credit, the South Asian champions are a place ahead of Yemen whom they play on November 11 in their last match of the Asian Cup qualifiers.

The Bob Houghton-coached side had lost all their five matches of the continental qualification tournament so far.

Meanwhile, Brazil lost 14 points but still top the list followed by world champions Italy, France, Argentina, England, Germany, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Portugal and Spain in top 10.

Nigeria lead the African pack at 11th, with Cameroon (12th), Ivory Coast (18th), Ghana (24th) and Egypt (25th) following the Green Eagles.

In the Asian zone, Australia are on top at 37th place with Iran (43rd), Japan (46th) and Korea (48th) coming after the Socceroos.

Bangladesh (155th), Pakistan (162nd) and Nepal (170th) are behind India.

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